Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-07-03
A BRAVE FRENou Doa.
one who Led tho Life OF a s,idisr
and Became Celebrated.

ibohDte lIfDunal
The dog story published in the 7ri-
6unc Of May 22d has a parallel in the
history Of the wars Of the consulate OF
the first empire. In 1779 young dog,
who apparently had no master. came.
no one knew how, to Caen. France. aad
met there regiment of genadiers
starting for Italy. Urged on, appa-
renty by destiny, he followed them
He was to all appearance a regular
street cur, dirty and ugly, but he had
such a bright expression and seemed 80
intelligent that they did not hesitate to
take HIM. His new companions forced
lin 10 act as sentinel, to obey orders,
TO keep step, to become accustomed b.
tic sound of firearms, to obey roll
call, and oil other duties the soldiers
were called upon to perform He re-
cci'Cd and Rte his rations with them,
and lived in every respect Is his regl-
ment was commanded 10 do. In gOinZ
to Italy Moustache crossed Saint Ber-
nard at the cost OF unknown hardships
ond encomped with the regiment above
Alexandria. 1t was here that he was
10 accomplish bis first great feat OF
AIMS. a detachment Of Austrians hid.
den Ill the Valley of Balbo advanced in
the night to surprise the grenadiers
and was heard by the vigilant dog as he
was making his rounds. The soldiers
were awakened by his barking. In a
moment every one was on foot and the
enemy dislodged. To reward Nous
tache the colonel had his name in
scribed on the regimental roll, and or
dered that he should have every day
the ration of O soldier. He ordered
that there should be put on his neck a
collar bearing the name of the regi
ment, and the barber was ordered to
wash and comb him every week.
Some time afterward there was a
slight engagement, in which Moustache
conducted himself very brayely. He
h1e received his first wound-a bay
onct-thrust in the shoulder. 1t must be
said here that Moustache was never
wounded except in front About this
time he quarrelled with the grenadiers
and deserted because they had left him
tied in the garrison. Taking refuge
with company of chasseurs, he saw
disguised Austrian spy enter the French
camp. Moustache, forgetting the in
suit he had received, welcomed the
stranger by springing at his throat
with much fierccness. This action as
tonished all at first, but they had time
for reflection, and then remembered
the sagacity Of the faithful dog. The
stranger was arrested, searched, AMI
found to be spy.
MOustache continued the series OF his
exploits. At the battle of Austerlitz,
seeing the cOlor-bearer surrounded by
enemies, he flew to his rescue, defended
him rs well as he could, and when the
soldier fell pierced with bullets, envel-
Oped in lis cOlOrs, Moustache, Selling
with his teeth that part of the glorious
flag which he could get. fairly flew
past the enemy, and brought back to
his company the blOod-stained rem
nants. 1t must be said here that u
charge OF muskotry had taken off one
of lis legs. This beautiful action mcr-
tied honor. They took off the collar
be wore, and Marshal Lanncs ordered
that they put on him a red ribbon,
Nth copper medal bearing this m
scription on one side: Gle lost a lcg
ut the battle Of Austcrlitz and saved the
co,oTs OF his regiment" On the other
side it read Moustache should be
loved and honorcd as a brave French
dog" AZ it was easy to recognize him
by his ribbon and medal they decided
that, in whatever regiment he should
present himself, he should receive the
portion of a soldier. He took part yet
IN several battles, and among Others
that of Essling $500. lie made with
the dragons two campaigns, and the
brave dog fought every time hc had the
opportunity. He always walked in
front on the alert, barking when he
heard any noise and could not find out
the cause. In the Sierra Morcna noun
tains ne brought back to camp the
horse of dragon who had been Killed.
1t il said that at several times he show
cd this same act Of intelligence. lie
made his last campaign with the arlil-
lcry, and was killed at the battle of
Eadajoz, March II, 1911, at the age OF
twelve years. They buried him on the
SPOT where he fell, with his medal and
his ribbon. On the stone which served
as his monument they wrote Here
lies Moustache. These simple words
are more eloquent than the most
pompous epitaph.